Gaming System with Cascading Symbol Feature

ABSTRACT

A gaming system comprising an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system also includes a display for displaying an array of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removed from the array and causes other symbols to move into a position of the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/797,451 entitled “Gaming System With Cascading Symbol Feature”and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/797,600entitled “Wagering Game With Symbols Forming An Altered Or SecondaryArray” both filed on May 4, 2006 and both being incorporated in theirentirety by reference.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patentfiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming systems and methodsfor playing wagering games, and more particularly, to gaming systems andmethods having a cascading symbol feature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and thelike, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years.Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent onthe likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machineand the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to otheravailable gaming options. Where the available gaming options include anumber of competing machines and the expectation of winning at eachmachine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players arelikely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines.Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining andexciting machines, features, and enhancements available because suchmachines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to theoperator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming machinemanufacturers to continuously develop new games and improved gamingenhancements that will attract frequent play through enhancedentertainment value to the player.

One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance theentertainment value of a game is the concept of a “secondary” or “bonus”game that may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonusgame may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completelydifferent from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of aselected event or outcome in the basic game. Generally, bonus gamesprovide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and mayalso be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displaysand/or audio. Bonus games may additionally award players with“progressive jackpot” awards that are funded, at least in part, by apercentage of coin-in from the gaming machine or a plurality ofparticipating gaming machines. Because the bonus game concept offerstremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to otherknown games, and because such games are attractive to both players andoperators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines withnew types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players andoperators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming system isprovided and includes an input device for receiving a wager to play awagering game. A display for displaying an array of symbols thatindicates a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game is alsoincluded. In response to the randomly selected outcome including awinning symbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part ofthe winning symbol combination is removed from the array and causesother symbols to move into a position of the array vacated by the atleast one removed symbol.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofconducting a wagering game is provided. The method includes displaying aplurality of symbols in an array indicating the randomly selectedoutcome. In response to a randomly selected outcome including a winningsymbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part of thewinning symbol combination is removed and other symbols move into aposition of the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a gamingsystem is provided and includes an input device for receiving a wager toplay a wagering game and a display for displaying an array of symbolsthat indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. At leastone symbol in the array has an initial state. A controller is coupled tothe input device and the display and is operative to cause the at leastone symbol to transition from the initial state to an intermediate statein response to a first play of the wagering game meeting a firstpredetermined criterion. In response to a subsequent play of thewagering game meeting a second predetermined criterion, the controllercauses the at least one symbol to transition from the intermediate stateto a removable state.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a methodof conducting a wagering game is provided. The method includesdisplaying a plurality of symbols in an array indicating a randomlyselected outcome. At least one symbol is in an initial state. Inresponse to a first predetermined criterion being met during a firstplay of the wagering game, the at least one symbol transitions from theinitial state to an intermediate state. In response to a secondpredetermined criterion being met during a subsequent play of thewagering game, the at least one symbol in the array enters a removablestate. The at least one symbol is removed from the array.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to representeach embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detaileddescription and Figures will describe many of the embodiments andaspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating thegaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a display of an initial basic game screen according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a display of an initial basic game screen according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a display of an initial basic game screen according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a display of an initial basic game screen according to yetanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a display of a screen subsequent FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a display of a screen subsequent FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 a is a display of a screen subsequent FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 b is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 15 a.

FIG. 16 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 10.

FIG. 20 is a display of an initial basic game screen according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a display of an initial basic game screen according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a display of an initial basic game screen according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 27.

FIG. 32 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 27.

FIG. 33 is an initial display of a pop-up screen according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a pop-up screen according to one of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 36 is an initial basic game according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 37 is a display of a screen subsequent to FIG. 36.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 is used in gamingestablishments such as casinos. With regard to the present invention,the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine and may havevarying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gamingmachine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming machine configured to playmechanical slots, or it may be an electronic gaming machine configuredto play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker,blackjack, roulette, etc.

The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes input devices,including a value input device 18 and a player input device 24. Foroutput the gaming machine 10 includes a primary display 14 fordisplaying information about the basic wagering game. The primarydisplay 14 can also display information about a bonus wagering game anda progressive wagering game. The gaming machine 10 may also include asecondary display 16 for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/orsignage information. While these typical components found in the gamingmachine 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerousother elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinationsto create various forms of a gaming machine 10.

The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms, individually orin combination, and is preferably located on the front of the housing12. The value input device 18 receives currency and/or credits that areinserted by a player. The value input device 18 may include a coinacceptor 20 for receiving coin currency (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, orin addition, the value input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 mayinclude a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading informationstored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable creditstorage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to acentral account, which can transfer money to the gaming machine 10.

The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push buttons 26 on abutton panel for operating the gaming machine 10. In addition, oralternatively, the player input device 24 may comprise a touch screen 28mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like over the primary display 14and/or secondary display 16. The touch screen 28 contains soft touchkeys 30 denoted by graphics on the underlying primary display 14 andused to operate the gaming machine 10. The touch screen 28 providesplayers with an alternative method of input. A player enables a desiredfunction either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touchkey 30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button panel.The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same functions as pushbuttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26 may provide inputs forone aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 30 may allowfor input needed for another aspect of the game.

The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be connecteddirectly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen in FIG. 1, ormay be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the housing12 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods.Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises these components whether housed inthe housing 12 or outboard of the housing 12 and connected remotely.

The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player onthe primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also display thebonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD,a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for usein the gaming machine 10. As shown, the primary display 14 includes thetouch screen 28 overlaying the entire display (or a portion thereof) toallow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, theprimary display 14 of the gaming machine 10 may include a number ofmechanical reels to display the outcome in visual association with atleast one pay line 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine10 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 14 is orientedvertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine maybe a “slant-top” version in which the primary display 14 is slanted atabout a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.

A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a wager viathe value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A player can selectplay by using the player input device 24, via the buttons 26 or thetouch keys 30. The basic game consists of a plurality of symbolsarranged in an array, and includes at least one pay line 32 thatindicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes arerandomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. Atleast one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be astart-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols orsymbol combinations triggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include a playerinformation reader 52 that allows for identification of a player byreading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. Theplayer information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1 as a card reader, butmay take on many forms including a ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFIDtransceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. Currently,identification is generally used by casinos for rewarding certainplayers with complimentary services or special offers. For example, aplayer may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's loyalty club andmay be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collectspoints in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his orher card into the player information reader 52, which allows thecasino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gamingmachine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16 orother dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player withinformation about his or her account or other player-specificinformation. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52 may beused to restore game assets that the player achieved and saved during aprevious game session.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming machine 10are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34, also referred toherein as a controller or processor (such as a microcontroller ormicroprocessor). To provide gaming functions, the controller 34 executesone or more game programs stored in a computer readable storage medium,in the form of memory 36. The controller 34 performs the randomselection (using a random number generator (RNG)) of an outcome from theplurality of possible outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, therandom event may be determined at a remote controller. The remotecontroller may use either an RNG or pooling scheme for its centraldetermination of a game outcome. It should be appreciated that thecontroller 34 may include one or more microprocessors, including but notlimited to a master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary orparallel processor.

The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36 and amoney/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a volatilememory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory(e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may include multiple RAM andmultiple program memories. The money/credit detector 38 signals theprocessor that money and/or credits have been input via the value inputdevice 18. Preferably, these components are located within the housing12 of the gaming machine 10. However, as explained above, thesecomponents may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected tothe remainder of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a varietyof different wired or wireless connection methods.

As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to, and controls,the primary display 14, the player input device 24, and a payoffmechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in response toinstructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff to the player inresponse to certain winning outcomes that might occur in the basic gameor the bonus game(s). The payoff may be provided in the form of points,bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the payoffmechanism 40 includes both a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44.However, any of a variety of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the artmay be implemented, including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash,etc. The payoff amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 aredetermined by one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.

Communications between the controller 34 and both the peripheralcomponents of the gaming machine 10 and external systems 50 occurthrough input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More specifically, thecontroller 34 controls and receives inputs from the peripheralcomponents of the gaming machine 10 through the input/output circuits46. Further, the controller 34 communicates with the external systems 50via the I/O circuits 48 and a communication path (e.g., serial,parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.). The external systems 50 may include agaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server, communicationshardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components.Although the I/O circuits 46, 48 may be shown as a single block, itshould be appreciated that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include anumber of different types of I/O circuits.

Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/oroutside of the gaming machine 10 that may communicate with and/orcontrol the transfer of data between the gaming machine 10 and a bus,another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or anetwork. The controller 34 may comprise one or more controllers orprocessors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34 in the gaming machine 10 isdepicted as comprising a CPU, but the controller 34 may alternativelycomprise a CPU in combination with other components, such as the I/Ocircuits 46, 48 and the system memory 36.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the primary display 14 according to oneembodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment,the basic game is a slot machine game with symbols on five differentreels 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 62 d, 62 e. The reels 62 a-e may be traditionalmechanical reels, electromechanical reels, or computer-generated imagesof reels, with each reel composed of a plurality of symbols. In thisembodiment, there are multiple pay lines 64 a-i across the various reels62 a-e. While multiple pay lines 64 a-i are shown, the gaming machine 10may alternatively include a single pay line.

During the basic game, the player places a wager on any number of paylines 64 a-i. In the illustrated embodiment, the wager may be from oneto five credits per pay line 64 a-i. However, in other embodiments,other wager amounts may be made. Once the player has placed the wager,the reels 62 a-e begin to spin. As illustrated in FIG. 3, near thebottom of the primary display 14 there are a plurality of keys 66 a-gthat enable the player to perform various functions, such as selectingthe pay lines to play, selecting a wager amount per pay line, andinitiating a spin of the reels. Meters 67 are located above the keys 66a-g and provide the player with information such as the number ofcredits available, the number of lines selected, the bet per line, thetotal bet (which equals the number of lines selected multiplied by thebet per line), and the number of credits won.

Subscript Bombs

Turning now to FIG. 4, the primary display 14 of a wagering gameaccording to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Inthis embodiment, the player has made a wager, and the reels 62 a-e havespun. The three cow symbols along one of the active pay lines 64 a-icreate a winning combination, and the player is paid out the appropriateamount.

In most gaming machines, the basic game would then end. However, in thisembodiment of the present invention, bomb symbol subscripts 70 areassociated with some of the reel symbols or symbol positions. If thebomb symbol subscript 70 appears on an active pay line, the bomb 70explodes, removing the main symbol from the primary display 14 andcausing the other symbols to cascade.

Generally, in a cascade, a symbol in the primary display 14 disappears,and a symbol that is adjacent to the disappearing symbol moves and fillsin the position vacated by the disappearing symbol. In this illustratedembodiment, the cascade occurs from top to bottom, meaning that thesymbol above the disappearing symbol drops into the vacant position.

As shown, the bomb symbol subscript 70 does not have any connection tothe three cow symbols in the winning combination. A bomb symbolsubscript 70 can be on any symbol, whether or not that symbol is a partof a winning combination.

In the present embodiment, a peach symbol 68 includes the bomb symbolsubscript 70. The bomb 70 explodes (FIG. 5), causing the peach symbol 68to disappear. In some embodiments, the bomb 70 may only explode if thepeach symbol 68 is on an active pay line. After the bomb 70 explodes, asymbol 72 above the exploded peach symbol 68 cascades down and fills theposition vacated by the disappearing peach symbol 68. As shown in FIG.6, the jackpot seven symbol 72 cascades down into the position vacatedby the disappearing peach symbol 68 and a randomly selected symbol,e.g., orange symbol 74, enters from the top and drops into the positionvacated by the cascading jackpot seven symbol 72.

After the cascade, the gamine machine 10 rewards the player for any newwinning combinations. In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may payout for the winning combination of the three cow symbols again. In otherembodiments, the gaming machine 10 may only pay out for each winningcombination once. If there are any other bomb symbol subscripts, thenthose will explode and cause more cascading. In some embodiments, thebomb symbol subscripts will only cause cascades if there are additionalwinning outcomes. In other embodiments, the cascades will occurregardless of whether there are any other winning combinations.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the bomb symbol subscript 70is permanently present on peach symbol 68. In other embodiments, thebomb symbol subscript 70 may appear on the peach symbol 68 after thereels 62 a-e quit spinning.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including at least one symbol having a subscriptsymbol, removing the at least one symbol having the subscript symbol andother symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by the atleast one removed symbol.

Subscript Nudges

Turning now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention isdescribed below. In this embodiment, a watermelon symbol 76 includes anudge symbol subscript 78. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, after thereels 62 a-e have spun, the gaming machine 10 awards the player acorresponding award for a winning combination along any active pay lines64 a-i. The gaming machine 10 then responds to any nudge symbolsubscripts 78.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nudge symbol subscript 78 is adownward arrow, meaning that the watermelon symbol 76 associated withthe nudge symbol subscript 78 shifts down by one position. In oneembodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, the watermelon symbol 76 completelyreplaces a chicken symbol 79 (FIG. 7) that is below the watermelonsymbol 76. A cherry symbol above the watermelon symbol 76 cascades downand fills the position vacated by the nudged watermelon symbol 76, and arandomly selected symbol enters from the top and drops into the positionvacated by the cascading cherry symbol. In this embodiment, the gamingmachine 10 would then award the player for any more winningcombinations. Again, in some embodiments, the original winningcombination of the three cow symbols may be paid again, while in others,the gaming machine 10 will only pay it the first time.

Although the nudge symbol subscript 78 is a downward arrow, it may beany directional indicator and may point in any direction. For example,the nudge symbol subscript 78 may point to either the left or the right,causing the symbol associated with the nudge symbol subscript 78 toshift sideways. Also, although only one nudge symbol subscript isillustrated, there may be none or multiple nudge symbol subscripts onany given spin of the reels.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative outcome of the nudge from FIG. 7. Inthis embodiment, instead of causing the chicken symbol 79 to disappear,a new symbol row 80 is created, and the chicken symbol 79 falls into thenew row 80. The other positions in the new row 80 may remain vacant, orthey may, as shown in FIG. 9, be populated with symbols. After the newrow 80 is created (and populated, if needed), the gaming machine 10awards the player for any winning pay line.

In another embodiment, instead of creating the new row 80, the chickensymbol 79 and the watermelon symbol 76 could occupy the same cell in thearray. As such, the chicken symbol 79 does not disappear, but the nudgeof the watermelon symbol 76 still occurs. By creating the new row 80 orhaving two or more symbols share one position on a reel 62, the gamingmachine 10 is increasing the player's odds of winning on any particularspin, which adds player excitement.

In one embodiment, a method of conducting a wagering game having arandomly selected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols inan array indicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to therandomly selected outcome including at least one symbol having asubscript symbol, the at least one symbol is nudged in a directionindicated by the subscript symbol and other symbols are moved into aposition of the array vacated by the at least one nudged symbol.

Although the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and 7-9 have a winningcombination on the first spin (the three cow symbols), there does notneed to be a winning combination for the subscript features to initiatesymbol movement.

Replacing at Least Some of the Winning Symbols

Turning now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, the player has spun the reels and thereis a winning combination of three cow symbols 81 a, 81 b, 81 c along themiddle pay line 64 a-i. In this embodiment, one or more of the symbolsfrom the winning combination are removed. The illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 11 shows two of the cow symbols 81 a, 81 b being removed (althoughany number of the symbols from the winning combination could beremoved), leaving two vacant positions 82.

After the two symbols are removed, two new randomly selected symbolsappear in their place. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the twovacant positions 82 (FIG. 11) have been replaced by new symbols 84. Thegaming machine 10 then pays the player for any new winning combinations.If a new winning outcome is achieved, in some embodiments, the gamingmachine 10 begins the process again by removing and replacing one ormore of the symbols in the winning combination. This process maycontinue a predetermined number of times, for a predetermined period oftime, or until there are no more winning combinations. In someembodiments, the player selects which symbols are to be removed.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, less than allof the symbols that are a part of the winning symbol combination areremoved and new symbols are added to the array into a position of thearray vacated by the removed symbol.

Cascading at Least Some of the Winning Symbols

FIG. 13 illustrates a variation of the embodiment described in FIGS.10-12. In this embodiment, the player spins the reels and achieves theoutcome displayed in FIG. 10. However, in this embodiment, instead ofthe removed winning symbols being replaced with new randomly selectedsymbols, the removed symbols trigger a cascade. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 13, one of the cow symbols 81 b that was a part ofthe winning combination in FIG. 11 disappears, leaving a blank space 86.As shown in FIG. 14, the blank space 86 is filled as a peach symbol 87cascades down from the position above, and the position vacated by thecascading peach symbol 87 is in turn filled by a randomly selectedsymbol, e.g., a cow symbol 88, that enters from the top.

After the cascade, the gaming machine 10 awards the player for any newwinning outcomes. If a new winning outcome is achieved, in someembodiments, the gaming machine 10 removes one or more of the symbols inthe winning combination and cascades the symbols again. The cascadingmay continue a predetermined number of times, for a predetermined periodof time, or until there are no more winning combinations. In someembodiments, the player selects which of the winning symbols are to beremoved to trigger a cascade. In other embodiments, a controller selectswhich of the winning symbols are to be removed.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, less than allof the symbols that are a part of the winning symbol combination areremoved and other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacatedby the removed symbol.

Cascading at Least Some of the Losing Symbols

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b illustrate another embodiment of the presentinvention in which symbols that are not a part of the winningcombination are removed and trigger a cascade. In this embodiment, asshown in FIG. 15 a, a chicken symbol 90 in a bottom position disappears.As shown in FIG. 15 b, the symbols above the disappearing chicken symbol90 cascade down such that a peach symbol 92 from the middle row fillsthe position vacated by the chicken symbol 90, a jackpot seven symbolfills the position vacated by the cascading peach symbol 92, and arandomly selected symbol, e.g., a watermelon symbol, enters from the topand fills the position vacated by the cascading jackpot seven symbol.After the cascade, the player is rewarded for any new winningcombinations.

In some embodiments, the player will be paid again for the winningcombination of the three cows along an active pay line. In someembodiments, the cascade may cause a winning combination that includesthe old winning combination. For example, if the cascade of FIGS. 15 aand 15 b caused a cow symbol to land in the middle row of the fourthcolumn, the old winning combination of three cows would be transformedinto a new winning combination of four cows. In such embodiments, theplayer would be awarded for the new winning combination.

In response to another winning combination being achieved as a result ofthe cascade (whether or not that winning combination includes symbolsfrom the old winning combination), the gaming machine will award theplayer the prize that corresponds to that winning combination. In someembodiments, another non-winning symbol may be removed and causesanother cascade. In other embodiments, the removal of non-winningsymbols only occurs a predetermined number of times or for apredetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, the symbols may beremoved and replaced with new symbols (similar to FIGS. 10 and 11described above). Also, in some embodiments, the player is able toselect which losing symbols cascade or are removed. In otherembodiments, the controller selects which symbols are replaced orcascaded.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removedand other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by theat least one removed symbol.

Character Removes Symbols

In yet other embodiments, the wagering game includes a character thatremoves random symbols from the displayed array after a winningcombination is achieved. The symbols removed by the character may or maynot be part of a winning combination. Once the symbols are removed, acascade occurs. For example, after the winning combination is achieved,a boxer may come out and start punching symbols, causing them todisappear. In some embodiments, not all of the symbols the boxer punchesmay disappear. Some of them may require multiple punches or a particulartype of punch to disappear and cause a cascade. In other embodiments, agolfer could come out and hit golf balls at symbols to get them todisappear or switch locations with another symbol. Alternatively, itcould be a baseball player who hits balls at the symbols. In otherembodiments, the character may be related to the theme of the game.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol is removed and other symbols are moved into a position of thearray vacated by the at least one removed symbol. A character isdisplayed and removes the at least one symbol.

Symbols Change State and are Eventually Removed

In another embodiment of the present invention, the symbols that are inthe winning combination do not disappear, but change from an initialstate to an intermediate state the first time the symbol is a part of awinning combination. Once the symbol is in the intermediate state, it ismore “fragile” and more likely to enter a removable state and be removedin subsequent spins, causing a cascade. In the result illustrated inFIG. 10, the three cow symbols 81 a, 81 b, 81 c create a winningcombination. However, in this embodiment, the cow symbols 81 a, 81 b, 81c do not disappear, but instead “crack” as shown in FIG. 16, creatingcracked cow symbols 100 a, 100 b, 100 c. The player then spins the reels62 a-62 e again. This time, as shown in FIG. 17, one of the cracked cowsymbols 100 a appears in the bottom row. Two other non-cracked cowsymbols 102 a, 102 b also appear in the bottom row, creating a winningcombination.

In some embodiments, the other two non-cracked cow symbols 102 a, 102 bmay then crack. If there are any new winning outcomes, the player isawarded a corresponding winning award. In some embodiments, symbols thatmake up a part of the new winning combination may crack. In otherembodiments, only symbols that are a part of the first winningcombination crack.

As shown in FIG. 18, once the cracked cow symbol 100 a is a part of asecond winning combination, the cracked cow symbol 100 a disappears andthe symbols above the cracked cow symbol 100 a cascade down into theposition vacated by the cracked cow symbol 100 a. In some embodiments,the symbols may need to be a part of multiple winning combinationsbefore disappearing. For example, the cracked cow symbol 100 a of FIG.18 may not disappear, but may crack even further. Then, the third timethe cracked cow symbol 100 a is part of a winning combination, thecracked cow symbol 100 a will disappear and cause a cascade.

In the above-described embodiments, the symbols have a plurality of“states” (e.g., initial, intermediate, removable). Once a predeterminedcriterion is met, symbols are advanced through the plurality of states.After a symbol has advanced through each of the plurality of states, thesymbol is then removed from the primary display 14, causing a cascade tooccur. While FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an embodiment where thepredetermined criterion is the symbol being part of a winning symbolcombination, the predetermined criterion may include, but is not limitedto: the location of a symbol within a particular cell in the array; thesymbol landing on a particular pay line; the symbol being near, oradjacent to, a “state-altering” symbol in the array; the player placinga side wager and the symbol landing on a pay line on the primary display14; the symbol being on the primary display 14 a predetermined number oftimes during a single play; the symbol being on the primary display apredetermined number of times during multiple plays; and the symbolbeing part of predetermined non-winning symbol combination.

As an example of a predetermined criterion being the symbol being nearor adjacent to a “state-altering” symbol in the array, the symbols couldbe cracked by various simulated “disasters” that occur on the primarydisplay 14 (e.g., volcanic eruption, thunderstorm, and earthquake) inresponse to the symbols being near a volcano symbol, lightening boltsymbol, etc. . . . . In some embodiments, the location of the symbol inthe array may affect how much the symbol cracks, or how much it isdamaged. For example, a symbol next to a “volcano” symbol may sufferlarge cracks, while a symbol that is two symbols away from the “volcano”symbol may only suffer minor cracks.

As an example of the predetermined criteria being the location of asymbol within a particular cell in the array, only symbols in certaincells of the array crack. These cells may be considered “danger areas”or “danger zones.” Symbols that land in the “danger zone” may bulge,indicating that they will crack if part of a winning combination.

In some embodiments, the predetermined criterion that causes a symbol totransition from the initial state to the intermediate state may bedifferent than the predetermined criterion that causes a symbol totransition from the intermediate state to the removable state. Forexample, a symbol may be cracked by a simulated natural disaster asdescribed above (the first predetermined criterion), but the symbol mayonly be removed once the symbol is part of a winning symbol combination(the second predetermined criterion).

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of gaming machines 10connected in a bank. A predetermined criterion that occurs at one of thegaming machines 10 may cause symbols at the other, linked gamingmachines 10 to also crack or become damaged. For example, if a volcanoerupts on one of the gaming machines 10, symbols may crack or becomedamaged on all of the gaming machines 10 in the bank.

Alternatively, the bank of gaming machines can have signage and if oneof the predetermined criteria occurs on the signage (e.g., the signageshows a volcanic eruption), all of the gaming machines 10 may havesymbols that become damaged.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game includesdisplaying a plurality of symbols in an array indicating a randomlyselected outcome. At least one symbol is in an initial state. Inresponse to a first predetermined criterion being met during a firstplay of the wagering game, the at least one symbol in the arraytransitions from the initial state to an intermediate state. In responseto a second predetermined criterion being met during a subsequent playof the wagering game, the at least one symbol in the array transitionsfrom the intermediate state to a removable state. The at least onesymbol is removed from the array.

Symbols Slide

Returning again to FIG. 10, a winning combination of three cow symbols81 a, 81 b, 81 c is illustrated. Once a winning combination is achieved(either before or after the player is granted the corresponding award),one of the rows containing a symbol of the winning combination slideshorizontally, creating a horizontal cascade.

As shown in FIG. 19, the middle row slides or shifts to the right,causing a rightmost watermelon symbol to disappear. A new randomlyselected symbol, e.g., a chicken symbol 104, enters from the left andfills the vacated position on the first reel 62 a. If there are anyadditional winning combinations, the player is awarded a correspondingaward and a row containing a symbol of the winning combination is thenmoved. If the winning combination is in more than one row, either all ofthe rows having a symbol in the winning combination may be shifted, orless than all of the rows may be shifted. If less than all of the rowsare shifted, the row(s) to be shifted may be selected randomly oraccording to a set of rules.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, a row of thearray including a symbol that is a part of the winning symbolcombination is slid and other symbols are added into a position of thearray vacated by the sliding row.

Multi-Sided Symbols

Turning now to FIG. 20, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention is described below. In this embodiment, each of the symbols onthe primary display 14 is a multi-sided symbol, such as a die. As shownin FIG. 20, the combination of three chicken symbols 106 a, 106 b, 106 ccreates a right-to-left winning combination. After the player is grantedan award for the winning combination, the symbols of the winningcombination begin to spin (FIG. 21). As shown in FIG. 22, the spinningsymbols stop on new symbols 107 a, 107 b, 107 c, and the player isprovided with an award for any new winning combinations. Should newwinning combinations exist, the symbols that are a part of the newwinning combinations may also spin. In other embodiments, the symbolsonly spin once.

In some embodiments, once a symbol is part of a winning combination,that symbol may disappear from the die. The die keeps spinning until allof the symbols on the die have disappeared.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. Each of the plurality ofsymbols is located on a multi-sided die and each multi-sided die has asymbol on each side. In response to the randomly selected outcomeincluding a winning symbol combination, each of the multi-sided dicethat are a part of the winning symbol combination is rotated to displaya new side of the die, creating a new array.

Multiple Symbols in a Single Reel Position

Turning now to FIG. 23, a reel spin result is shown that includes threecow symbols 108 a, 108 b, 108 c forming a winning combination. The reelspin result also includes a chicken symbol 110 a overlaying one of thecow symbols 108 c. The cow symbol 108 c disappears, leaving only thechicken symbol 110 a. As shown in FIG. 24, a watermelon symbol 111 abovethe chicken symbol 110 a cascades into the cell with the chicken symbol110 a (but the chicken 110 a stays in place). The symbol above thewatermelon symbol 111 drops into the position vacated by the watermelonsymbol 111. The gaming machine 10 rewards the player for any new winningcombinations.

In some embodiments, instead of having multiple symbols overlay oneanother, there can be a single traditional symbol with a backgroundcolor behind the symbol. After the symbol is a part of a winningcombination, the background color stays and the symbol cascades. Thebackground colors may enhance the awards granted to the player (or maycause different winning combinations).

Other embodiments include gemstones in jewelry. If the gemstone/jewelrycombination is part of a winning combination, one portion willdisappear, causing a cascade. For example, if a diamond ring is part ofa winning combination, the diamond from the ring would disappear, andthe gemstones from the jewelry in the cells above would cascade down(but the jewelry would stay in place). Alternatively, the gemstonescould stay in the same cells and the jewelry could disappear and cascadeinto the stationary jewelry (or vice versa).

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome and a first symbol and a secondsymbol occupying a single position in the array. In response to therandomly selected outcome including a winning symbol combination, one ofthe first symbol and second symbol is removed and other symbols aremoved into a position of the array vacated by the removed symbol.

Blank Reel Symbols

Turning now to FIG. 25, another embodiment of the present invention isdescribed below. In this embodiment, there may be symbols that are aremove-symbol type that are always removed from the array. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 25, the remove-symbol type symbols areblank symbols 112 a, 112 b on the display after a reel spin. Afterrewarding the player for any winning combinations, the symbols above theblank symbols, e.g., the watermelon symbols 114 a, 114 b in theillustrated embodiment, cascade down into the positions occupied by theblanks, and symbols, e.g., a seven symbol and an orange symbol, enterfrom the top to replenish the array. The outcome of this cascadingaction is shown in FIG. 26. The player is then rewarded for any newwinning combinations. In other embodiments, the symbols may not beblank, but instead may be a dedicated symbol that does not pay, butdisappears after appearing in the array, causing a cascade.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removedand other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by theat least one removed symbol. The at least one removed symbol is aremove-symbol type that is always removed in response to the winningoutcome being achieved.

Cascade Locationally Mirrored Symbols

Turning now to FIG. 27, another embodiment of the present inventionutilizing cascading symbols is illustrated. In this embodiment, once awinning combination is achieved, the winning symbols do not cascade, butinstead, symbols in locations that horizontally mirror the locations ofthe winning symbols trigger a cascade. In the illustrated embodiment,three cow symbols 116 a, 116 b, 116 c create a winning combination.However, those symbols do not disappear and cascade; instead, thesymbols in locations that horizontally mirror the locations of thosesymbols in the display (cow symbol 116 c, peach symbol 118, andwatermelon symbol 120) disappear, causing a cascade. As shown in FIG.28, a watermelon symbol 122 replaces the cow symbol 116 c, a sevensymbol 124 replaces the peach symbol 118 and a cherry symbol 126replaces the watermelon symbol 120. Symbols enter from the top toreplenish the array. The player is then rewarded for any new winningcombinations. In some embodiments, if there are any new winningcombinations, then there are additional cascades. In other embodiments,the cascade may only occur once, for a predetermined number of times, orfor a predetermined amount of time.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removedand other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by theat least one removed symbol. The at least one removed symbol is a symbolthat locationally mirrors a symbol in the winning symbol combination.

Cascade Paired Symbols

Returning to FIG. 27, another variation of the mirror cascade isdescribed below. In this embodiment, the three cow symbols 116 a, 116 b,116 c still create a winning combination. In this embodiment, symbolsthat are the opposite of or correspond to the symbols in the winningcombination disappear and trigger a cascade. A pay table (not shown) mayindicate to the player which symbols correspond to other symbols. In thepresent embodiment, the opposite symbol for the “cow” symbol is the“chicken” symbol. Thus, all appearances of the “chicken” symbol anywherein the primary display 14 disappear (in FIG. 27, chicken symbols 128 a,128 b). As shown in FIG. 29, the chicken symbols have disappeared,causing the cascade (peach symbol 118 and watermelon symbol 120 havereplaced the chicken symbols 128 a, 128 b). The player is then rewardedfor any new winning combinations. In some embodiments, the originalwinning combination may pay out again. In other embodiments, eachcombination may pay out only once and the player may only be grantedawards for new winning combinations.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removedand other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by theat least one removed symbol. The at least one removed symbol is of atype that corresponds to a type of symbol in the winning symbolcombination.

Random Symbols To Cascade

In another embodiment, random symbols may cascade. If a player achievesthe outcome of FIG. 27 with the three winning cow symbols 116 a, 116 b,116 c, randomly selected symbols may disappear and cause a cascade. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 30, the watermelon symbol 122disappears, causing a cascade, and is replaced by an orange symbol 129.The player is then rewarded for any winning combinations. In someembodiments, if the original winning combination is still present afterthe cascade, the player may be rewarded again. In other embodiments, theplayer will only be rewarded once for each winning combination. Therandomly selected symbols that disappear may be any symbols in the array(including winning symbols) and any number of them may disappear andtrigger cascades.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol is randomly removed and other symbols are moved into a positionof the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol.

Shaped Cascade

Another variation is that instead of a random cascade, a shaped cascadeoccurs. In the embodiment described in FIGS. 27 and 31, after thewinning combination of three cow symbols 116 a, 116 b, 116 c isachieved, symbols comprising a diamond shape around the center cell inthe array (cow symbol 116 c) disappear. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 27, cow symbol 116 b, watermelon symbol 122, peach symbol 118, andseven symbol 130 all disappear, causing a cascade. The result is shownin FIG. 31. As shown, in the second reel 62 b, the cow symbol 62 bdisappears, causing a peach symbol 131 to cascade. In the middle reel 62c, both the seven symbol 130 and the watermelon symbol 122 havedisappeared, causing the cow symbol 116 c to drop to the bottom row anda new orange symbol 132 and a new seven symbol 133 to enter the thirdreel 62 c from the top. In the fourth reel 62 d, the peach symbol 118has disappeared, causing the seven symbol 124 to cascade. If a newwinning combination is achieved (such as the three seven symbols in thetop row), the player is granted a corresponding award. In someembodiments, a new winning combination may result in another cascade—theshape may be the same shape as before or a new shape. The shape thattriggers a cascade may be any shape or pattern, such as squares,rectangles, corners, or triangles. The shape may be selected randomly oraccording to a set of rules.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, a plurality ofsymbols are removed and other symbols are moved into positions of thearray vacated by the plurality of removed symbols. The plurality ofremoved symbols creates a pattern.

Cascade Matching Symbols

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 27 and 32, symbols matchingthe symbols in a winning combination, but not included in the winningcombination, disappear and trigger a cascade. In FIG. 27, the three cowsymbols 116 a, 116 b, 116 c form a winning combination. In thisembodiment, any other cow symbol (cow symbol 116 d as shown in FIG. 27)disappears and triggers a cascade. FIG. 32 displays the outcome of thecascade. The cow symbol 116 d has disappeared, causing cow symbol 116 ato cascade into the last row. The gaming machine 10 grants an award forany new winning combinations. Any new winning combinations may cause acascade. Alternatively, there may be only one cascade. In otherembodiments, the cascades may occur for a predetermined amount of timeor a predetermined number of times.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least onesymbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removedand other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by theat least one removed symbol. The at least one removed symbol matches asymbol in the winning symbol combination.

Buy a Cascade

Turning now to FIG. 33, another embodiment of the present invention isdescribed below. In this embodiment, prior to the wagering game beingplayed, a pop-up screen 150 is displayed. The pop-up screen 150 offersto let the user “buy a cascade.” In this embodiment, the player maypurchase a one-symbol cascade for one credit, a two-symbol cascade fortwo credits, or a three-symbol cascade for three credits. The pop-upscreen 150 may be a touch screen, such that if a player chooses to buy asingle-symbol cascade, one credit is debited from the player's creditamount. In other embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may have acorresponding physical button (not shown) for the player to select.After the player spins the reels, the outcome is evaluated for winningcombinations. If a winning combination is achieved, then one of thewinning symbols will disappear and trigger a cascade.

For example, if the outcome is the display shown in FIG. 10, then thethree cow symbols 81 a, 81 b, 81 c are a winning outcome and one of thecow symbols 81 a disappears, causing a seven symbol 151 above it tocascade down as shown in FIG. 34. If there are any new winning outcomes,the player is granted an award.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome is includes providing a player with an option topurchase a cascade feature. A plurality of symbols are displayed in anarray and indicate the randomly selected outcome. In response to theplayer selecting to purchase a cascade and the randomly selected outcomeincluding a winning symbol combination, at least one symbol is removedand other symbols are moved into a position of the array vacated by theat least one removed symbol.

Trade a Winning Combination for a Cascade

In FIG. 35, a player has a winning combination of three cow symbols 152a, 152 b, 152 c. In response to the winning combination being achieved,a pop-up screen 154 appears. The pop-up screen 154 offers the player theopportunity to accept the win or take the cascade. The pop-up screen 154may be a touch screen, as shown, allowing the player to select a buttonon the pop-up screen 154. Alternatively, the gaming machine 10 may havea physical button (not shown) for this function. If the player acceptsthe win, the player is granted the corresponding award. If the playertakes the cascade, the player does not get any award, but instead thethree cow symbols 152 a, 152 b, 152 c disappear and trigger a cascadefrom above. The player is taking a chance that the cascading symbolswill result in a bigger payout than the original winning combination. Insome embodiments, the player may be granted the return of the wageredcredits and the cascade of symbols.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination, providing aplayer with an option to keep the winning symbol combination or to havea cascade. In response to the player selecting to have a cascade, atleast one symbol is removed and other symbols are moved into a positionof the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol.

Reveal Hidden Symbols

In another embodiment, a winning combination reveals a hidden symbolbehind the symbols of the winning combination. As shown in FIG. 36,three chicken symbols 156 a, 156 b, 156 c in the bottom row are aright-to-left winning combination. In FIG. 37, the three chicken symbols156 a, 156 b, 156 c lay eggs 158 a, 158 b, 158 c that reveal new symbols160 a, 160 b, 160 c. The chicken symbols 156 a, 156 b, 156 c may remaina part of the array—effectively causing two symbols in a singlelocation, or the chicken symbols 156 a, 156 b, 156 c can disappear.Those new symbols 160 a, 160 b, 160 c are then evaluated along with allof the original symbols to determine whether any new winningcombinations exist. As shown in this embodiment, the new symbols 160 a,160 b, 160 c may be different from each other. Each symbol in thisembodiment has a “counterpart” symbol that may be a subscript. Forexample, cow symbols may have a baby calf as a subscript, the baby calfhaving a new symbol branded on the calf.

In one example, a method of conducting a wagering game having a randomlyselected outcome includes displaying a plurality of symbols in an arrayindicating the randomly selected outcome. At least one of the pluralityof symbols includes a hidden-symbol. In response to the randomlyselected outcome including a winning symbol combination and a symbol inthe winning symbol combination also having a hidden symbol, the hiddensymbol is revealed.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. For example, each of the cascadeshas occurred from top-to-bottom. However, it should be understood thatthe cascade can occur in any direction, including, bottom-to-top,right-to-left, left-to-right, and diagonally. Also, the above-describedembodiments have the cascade or symbol replacement occur in response toa winning symbol combination being achieved. In other embodiments, thecascade or symbol replacement can randomly occur or occur based upon aset of rules determined by the gaming machine manufacturer and/or thecasino where the gaming machine is located.

Another alternative which may be used with any of the above-describedembodiments is the use of the cascading symbols to trigger a bonus eventor game-enhancement function. For example, a certain number of symbolcascades in sequence, such as four cascades in sequence in a base gamemay trigger a bonus event or game-enhancement function. The cascades mayoccur among symbols in a winning combination as described for example inFIGS. 13-14, a non-winning combination as described for example in FIGS.15 a-15 b, or a combination of winning and non-winning symbols asdescribed for example in FIGS. 4-6. The bonus event or game-enhancementfunction may include for example, a multiplier of any award granted,additional credits added to the payout, a free spin or spins in additionto the payout, a special feature, a secondary game, eligibility in aspecial community event with other players such as a progressivejackpot, etc. The symbol cascade in sequence after the number ofcascades triggering the bonus event or game-enhancement function hasbeen achieved provides access to better bonus events andgame-enhancement functions. For example, the fifth symbol cascade maycause the bonus event to be played with a multiplier or access a betterbonus event. Other examples of better bonus events or game-enhancementfunctions include better multipliers, larger number of credits added toan award, additional free spins, increased plays for a special communityevent, etc. Subsequent cascading symbols, such as a sixth symbolcascade, may result in even greater bonus events or game-enhancementfunctions. Of the number of cascades to trigger such bonuses may begreater or lesser than the four cascades described in the above example.

Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplatedas falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, whichis set forth in the following claims.

1-36. (canceled)
 37. A casino gaming machine primarily dedicated toplaying at least one casino wagering game, comprising: a housing forhousing components associated with the casino wagering game; anelectronic display device coupled to the housing; an electronic inputdevice coupled to the housing, the electronic input device configured toreceive a physical input from a player to initiate the casino wageringgame and transform the input into an electronic data signal; and one ormore controllers disposed within the housing and including a randomelement generator, the random element generator configured to generateone or more random elements, the one or more controllers configured to:initiate the casino wagering game in response to the electronic datasignal from the electronic input device, determine an outcome of thecasino wagering game based, at least in part, on the one or more randomelements; direct the electronic display device to display the outcome inthe form of a symbol array; in response to a predetermined criteria,remove at least one symbol in the symbol array causing other symbols tomove into a position of the array vacated by the at least one removedsymbol to create a new symbol array; repeat the removal causing othersymbols to move, creating another new symbol array if the predeterminedcriteria is satisfied by the new symbol array; trigger a tangible bonusfeature in response to a threshold number of removals being achieved;and provide a tangible award for winning outcomes achieved during thecasino wagering game.
 38. The gaming machine of claim 37, wherein thepredetermined criteria is the at least one symbol is among symbols in awinning combination.
 39. The gaming machine of claim 37, wherein thepredetermined criteria is the at least one symbol is among symbols in anon-winning combination.
 40. The gaming machine of claim 37, whereinbonus feature includes at least one of a multiplier of the tangibleaward, additional credits added to the tangible award, a free spin, asecondary game, or eligibility in a special community event with otherplayers.
 41. The gaming machine of claim 37, wherein the tangible bonusis a first tangible bonus or a second tangible bonus, the secondtangible bonus having an expected value greater than the first, and thethreshold number is a first threshold number or a second thresholdnumber, the second threshold number being greater than the first, andwherein the second tangible bonus is triggered in response to achievingthe second threshold number and the first tangible bonus is triggered inresponse to achieving the first threshold number but not the second. 42.The gaming machine of claim 37, wherein one of the one or morecontrollers selects the at least one symbol to be removed.
 43. Thegaming machine of claim 37, wherein the symbol array is formed by aplurality of movable reels.
 44. The gaming machine of claim 37, whereinthe other symbols cascade into the position of the symbol array vacatedby the removed symbol.
 45. The gaming machine of claim 44, wherein theother symbols cascade vertically in the symbol array.
 46. The gamingmachine of claim 45, wherein the other symbols cascade in a downwarddirection in the symbol array.
 47. The gaming machine of claim 37,wherein the other symbols that move into a position of the symbol arrayvacated by the at least one removed symbol are new symbols that were notpreviously in the symbol array.
 48. A gaming system primarily dedicatedto playing at least one casino wagering game, comprising: a housing forhousing components associated with the at casino wagering game; anelectronic display device coupled to the housing; an electronic inputdevice coupled to the housing, the electronic input device configured toreceive a physical input from a player to initiate the casino wageringgame and transform the input into an electronic data signal; a randomelement generator configured to generate one or more random elements;and one or more controllers configured to: initiate the casino wageringgame in response to the electronic data signal from the electronic inputdevice, determine an outcome of the casino wagering game based, at leastin part, on the one or more random elements; direct the electronicdisplay device to display the outcome in the form of a symbol array; inresponse to a predetermined criteria, remove at least one symbol in thesymbol array causing other symbols to move into a position of the symbolarray vacated by the at least one removed symbol to create a new symbolarray; repeat the removal causing other symbols to move, creatinganother new symbol array if the predetermined criteria is satisfied bythe new symbol array; and trigger a tangible bonus feature in responseto a threshold number of removals being achieved; and provide a tangibleaward for winning outcomes achieved during the casino wagering game. 49.The gaming system of claim 48, wherein the random element generator andthe game-logic circuitry reside within the housing.
 50. The gamingsystem of claim 48, further including a value input device disposed onthe housing and configured to accept a tangible medium to fund the atleast one casino wagering game.
 51. The gaming system of claim 48,wherein the predetermined criteria is the at least one symbol is amongsymbols in a winning combination.
 52. The gaming system of claim 48,wherein bonus feature includes at least one of a multiplier of thetangible award, additional credits added to the tangible award, a freespin, a secondary game, or eligibility in a special community event withother players.
 53. The gaming machine of claim 48, wherein the tangiblebonus is a first tangible bonus or a second tangible bonus, the secondtangible bonus having an expected value greater than the first, and thethreshold number is a first threshold number or a second thresholdnumber, the second threshold number being greater than the first, andwherein the second tangible bonus is triggered in response to achievingthe second threshold number and the first tangible bonus is triggered inresponse to achieving the first threshold number but not the second. 54.The gaming machine of claim 48, wherein one of the one or morecontrollers selects the at least one symbol to be removed.
 55. Thegaming machine of claim 48, wherein the other symbols cascade into theposition of the symbol array vacated by the removed symbol.
 56. Thegaming machine of claim 48, wherein the other symbols that move into aposition of the symbol array vacated by the at least one removed symbolare new symbols that were not previously in the symbol array.
 57. Amethod of operating a gaming system primarily dedicated to playing atleast one casino wagering game, the gaming system including a housing, arandom element generator, one or more, an electronic display device, andan electronic input device, the electronic display device and theelectronic input device being coupled to the housing, the methodcomprising: generating one or more random elements with the randomelement generator; receiving, responsive to a physical input to theelectronic input device, a wager input to initiate the casino wageringgame; determining, by the one or more controllers, an outcome of thecasino wagering game based, at least in part, on the one or more randomelements; displaying the outcome on the electronic display device in theform of a symbol array; awarding, by the one or more controllers, atangible award if the outcome is a winning outcome; in response to apredetermined criteria, removing at least one symbol in the symbol arraycausing other symbols to move into a position of the symbol arrayvacated by the at least one removed symbol to create a new symbol array;repeating the removing causing other symbols to move, to create anothernew symbol array if the predetermined criteria is satisfied by the newsymbol array; and triggering a tangible bonus feature in response toachieving a threshold number of removals.
 58. The method of claim 57,wherein the predetermined criteria is the at least one symbol is amongsymbols in a winning combination.
 59. The gaming machine of claim 57,wherein bonus feature includes at least one of a multiplier of thetangible award, additional credits added to the tangible award, a freespin, a secondary game, or eligibility in a special community event withother players.
 60. The gaming machine of claim 57, wherein the tangiblebonus is a first tangible bonus or a second tangible bonus, the secondtangible bonus having an expected value greater than the first, and thethreshold number is a first threshold number or a second thresholdnumber, the second threshold number being greater than the first, andwherein the second tangible bonus is triggered in response to achievingthe second threshold number and the first tangible bonus is triggered inresponse to achieving the first threshold number but not the second.